A resolution requesting the Nashville Civic Design Center to facilitate a series of community discussions regarding the implementation of sustainable building practices in Nashville and Davidson County.

WHEREAS, development and construction practices are significant contributors to the depletion of natural resources and a major cause of air and water pollution, solid waste, deforestation, toxic wastes, health hazards, global warming, and other negative consequences; and

WHEREAS, buildings use one-quarter of all the world's wood harvest, consume two-fifths of all material and energy flows, and account for more that one-third of U.S. CO2 emissions; and

WHEREAS, according to a recent study by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) that analyzed data from certified green buildings, the average additional cost for constructing LEEDTM Silver level buildings was less than three percent and the financial benefits were over 10 times the additional cost; and

WHEREAS, sustainable buildings can boost employee productivity by 15%, provide stronger employee attraction and retention, and result in fewer illnesses and lower absenteeism, which reduces healthcare costs; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council is currently considering legislation that would implement sustainable building design standards for certain new buildings and facilities constructed by the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Nashville Civic Design Center is to "elevate the quality of Nashville's built environment and to promote public participation in the creation of a more beautiful and functional city for all"; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Nashville Civic Design Center lead public discussions regarding the implementation of green building practices in Nashville in both the public and private sector.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Nashville Civic Design Center to facilitate a series of community discussions regarding the implementation of sustainable building practices in Nashville and Davidson County. These public discussions should include a broad cross-section of persons from the public and private sector, and should focus on determining the most appropriate methods for incorporating green building design practices in the construction and renovation of both government and private buildings.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Kate Monaghan, the Executive Director of the Nashville Civic Design Center.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Erik Cole, Greg Adkins, Mike Jameson, David Briley

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Budget & Finance Committee Codes Committee Planning & Zoning Committee
Introduced:	February 20, 2007
Deferred to March 20, 2007:	February 20, 2007
Adopted:	March 20, 2007
Approved:	March 21, 2007
By: